Fabulous Fabricpalooza and a Giveaway!

A few months ago, I discovered a fabulous fabric shop and am thrilled to introduce you to Karen Gray Design.  


I do almost all of my fabric shopping online but this is a shop that I can't wait to visit. Located in Winston Salem, NC (a little over an hour from me) Karen is super talented and super nice. She has a beautiful brick and mortar store and also runs a great online shop called Fabricpalooza.  


I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Karen and learn more about her fresh designs and her beautiful shop. 


Come on, let's get to know designer and shop owner, Karen Gray!

ELQ: Your designs are classic but feel modern and fresh because of the fabrics you choose. What inspires you and your creativity?
I don't know how to answer this question really… because things can change in an instant. I am constantly working on a number of projects at once, plus I am busy helping others coordinate their projects in the shop and online too, and am continuously contemplating a bunch of sewing ideas throughout my day. It's a little nuts, but I love it, and I can honestly say that I am motivated to do what I do because I believe that great fabric can truly enhance your life. I am inspired by my family, friends, fresh baked cookies, kindness, color, a finished project, … the list can go on & on.

ELQ: What inspired you to open a fabric shop? 
After operating out of my home for 3 years, it seemed like a good idea to move the threads out of the house. The location of my shop is directly across the street from my sons school which is very convenient.

ELQ: What are the challenges and joys of running both a brick and mortar and an online shop?
It is a bit of a challenge keeping the inventory straight between the brick & mortar and my online shop. It has really forced me to get organized - efficiency is key. I really love getting notes and emails from customers telling me how happy they are with their purchase, and it is pretty wonderful when I get to actually see the finished projects made with fabric from my shop. It is a true joy to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who share the same enthusiasm for fabric & sewing.

ELQ: How did you learn to sew and when did you begin to quilt?
I started sewing as a child. My grandmother was an excellent seamstress, and I have great memories of spending endless hours in her sewing room going through her fabrics and trims and imaging the possibilities. My mother bought me my first Singer when I was 12 years old. That was a big day. I started making patchwork/hand tied quilts when I was a teenager and still love how that looks.

Karen says" These are quilts I made just before opening the shop in 2009 and are a perfect representation of the scrappy quilting I love.  This quilt style is less intimidating to someone who is considering their 1st quilt  ~ completely achievable and equally wonderful :)  Happiness factor included."

ELQ: What sewing trends do you see?
I think there is going to be an emphasis on hand sewing and needlework in the coming months.

ELQ: How do you decide what fabrics to carry in your shop?
I carry Westminster Fibers exclusively. My space is small - 965 square feet, which includes a classroom area. It made sense to me to keep the fabric selection focused.

ELQ: What makes Karen Gray Design and Fabricpalooza special and unique?
I believe I offer great personal service. I truly love to hear about the sewing projects my customers are working on and am grateful that I have the opportunity to offer any creative direction I can.

ELQ: What projects are you working on that you are excited about?
I am really excited about our 2nd annual Flaunt Handmade Event which is scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd, 10:00 - 4:00. The event highlights local handmade vendors and features fabulous prizes & giveaways. I have more details on my website and will be sharing more on my blog as the time draws near. 
As far as sewing projects, I am working on 2 quilts for my nieces which I think they will absolutely love.

ELQ: What can we expect to see from you and/or your shop in the future?
We are in the process of coordinating a Modern Fabric Workshop Weekend at Graylyn. This is something that will take place Spring 2012 - details coming soon. Also, I am working on some fabulous sewing patterns that will be available in the shop very soon.


ELQ: Doesn't the Modern Fabric Workshop Weekend sound amazing? I definitely want to learn more about that and hope to be able to attend the Flaunt Handmade Event too. Sounds like fun! 


I hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Karen Gray!   Now all of y'all pop over to Fabricpalooza and check out her amazing selection of beautiful fabrics. 


Got your eye on something pretty?
Karen is generously offering 10% off your next fabric purchase with the code MQG10 through the month of July! Woo Hoo! 

How about Karen's pattern and quilt kit?

Or these beauties by Dena Designs? (Beautiful!) 

Or this just lovely bundle of Joel Dewberry's NEW line Heirloom! 

Want to win it? 

Karen is also graciously giving away a fabulous bundle of the new Joel Dewberry Heirloom fabrics! {SWOON!}


Thanks Karen!
Feeling lucky today? 


To enter: 
1. Leave a comment telling me what you would make with this fab Heriloom bundle.


For an extra chance,  
2. Become a NEW follower of Ellison Lane Quilts  
OR 
3. Spread the word! Blog, tweet or share this giveaway on Facebook and come back and post the link in the comments section. 


The winner will be chosen by our good buddy Mr. Random Number Generator on Friday. 


Thanks Karen and GOOD LUCK my friends!! 
*Pictures courtesy of Karen Gray Design.